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Canadian Rockies Ski Hall of Fame

Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame Induction November 8

Canmore (AB) – The Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame announced the Class of 2017 – four dedicated leaders who have made a life-long contribution with nation-wide impact to the sport of ski racing through their hard work and support of our programs, athletes and events.

“Recognizing the contribution of those dedicated officials, volunteers and builders who have built our sport is very important,” said Alberta Alpine President Nigel Loring. “These remarkable individuals have made a difference – profoundly lifting our sport. Their leadership has given many current and future ski racing champions the support then need to succeed. We are thrilled that this event can ensure the impact of our Honoured Inductees on our sport can be acknowledged and celebrated.”

The Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame Class of 2017 are:

Don Boyce – Honoured Lifetime Official

John Cassels – Honoured Builder

Randy Tarchuk – Honoured Lifelong Volunteer

Glenn Thomsen – Honoured Alberta Team Athlete Alumnus

Don Boyce has served ski racing as a valued official at every level of our sport. He has also willingly shared his experience to train new officials. In addition to his work as an official, Don served as North Zone Chair and a member of the Board of Alberta Alpine.

John Cassels has World Cup in his blood. As an international builder of alpine ski racing, under his leadership the Lake Louise Winterstart World Cup has become known as one of the most exciting and reliable in the world. His contribution has extended beyond the snow as one of the founding committee of the Bennett Jones World Cup Business Forum, heading into its’ 16th season which is held each year during the men’s week at Lake Louise.

Randy Tarchuk has been an athlete, parent and volunteer supporting ski racing events at every level. After has racing days, Randy and Debbie raised three young ski racers (daughter Kristen reaching the Canadian Team). This, like so many racing parents, led to volunteering to run races, a passion which grew from our local mountains and hills to the highest levels of competition as a key leader for the 2007 World Cup races at Panorama and the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Randy, along with his partners Mike Irwin and Andrew Abbott are the crew that led the annual Nor-Am slaloms on Hayfever at Panorama.

Glenn Thomsen, from athlete, to coach, to ski racing parent, has made an outstanding contribution to ski racing. Glenn was a member of the Alberta Ski Team in the 1970’s Following his racing career, he moved into the coaching ranks, becoming Head Coach of the Canadian Team in 2003 and guiding Edi Podivinsky and Cary Mullen to the top of the podium in World Cup and Olympic competition. As Glenn moves toward retirement as a coach, he has been inspiring the next generation as the U14 coach with Team Panorama.

In addition to the four Honoured Inductees, the Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the 2017 Awards of Recognition. Alberta Alpine has a primary goal to graduate high performance athletes to the Canadian National Ski Teams in Para-Alpine, Ski Cross and Alpine or to NCAA universities or colleges. The Recognition Awards acknowledge the top Alberta athletes of the past season in these areas of achievement.

The 2017 Class will be inducted at the 50th anniversary of Alberta Alpine’s annual Hall of Fame Celebration, hosted at the Hotel Arts in Calgary on Wednesday, November 8th. The Hall of Fame event was established in 1968 to support ski racing excellence in Alberta and western Canada. As part of the legacy to support future champions in the province, the event will have a number of fundraising options including silent auction with all proceeds invested into Alberta Ski Racing programs.